The Swan Lake Fire grew to more than 60,000 acres over the weekend, with the blaze at 62,840 acres as of a Saturday morning update by the Alaska Incident Management Team.
Firefighters spent Friday reinforcing fire lines along the Sterling Highway and East Fork Moose River, according to the update. There are currently 489 personnel managing the fire from various local, state, and federal agencies.
On Friday, a hotshot crew was repositioned to protect infrastructure to the northeast of the fire, including a public use cabin, the Moose Research Center and a portion of the ENSTAR gas pipeline. The fire continues to spread primarily to the northeast through thick strands of black spruce. Two-way traffic along the Sterling Highway has resumed, but motorists should expect a reduced speed limit as firefighters are working along the road. Smoke conditions on the peninsula are expected to remain the same as a high-pressure weather system moves over the area.
The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area remains closed to public use, including campgrounds, trails and cabins. Skilak Lake Road, along with Jim’s Upper and Lower Skilak landings remain open.
For the latest on the Swan Lake Fire and to view an interactive fire map, visit kpboem.com.
